Weekly Announcements, May 6, 2010

Reminder: Deadline for weekly announcements and bulletins (including prayer requests) are due by each Wednesday at 12:00 p.m.   For Eucharistic Ministers, the deadline to request Communion kits is each Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School Offerings for adults at 9:30 a.m. through May 23 rd :

(1) A Sunday Morning Book Study facilitated by Bob Hamilton and Bob Cook (in the Cloister): Using the book, Altar in the World , by Barbara Brown Taylor, an Episcopal Priest and world-renowned writer and preacher, we will explore the practice of discovering the Holy Ground we often times find ourselves on and will not know it unless we claim it.  

(2) Theology of Childhood facilitated by Jon Anderson (in Andy's Place): This discussion will draw on biblical passages, authors, and the thoughts of contemporary theologians to illustrate how traditional theological concepts such as God's covenant with humanity, sin (both innocence and guilt), grace, and innocent suffering apply to children. We will examine ways in which we as adults can facilitate the development of children as moral persons and benefit from them as sources of spiritual insight.   Finally, the discussion will examine what Jesus meant when he told his adult disciples to "become like children."

May 9th is Youth Sunday at St. Andrew's.  Please join us for a family service in which the whole family can worship together.   Mary Catherine Smoak will be the preacher.

UTO Sunday: The United Thank Offering Spring Ingathering will be Sunday, May 9 th at the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. Special envelopes will be on the back of each pew and in the Parish Hall.   A generous gift to UTO is a tangible way to express thanks to God for his bountiful blessings to us. Out thankful prayers and gifts help to meet human needs in this country and around the world, and to expand the mission of the Episcopal Church.   Please join the ECW to support this important ministry.

Chapman Chapter will meet at Green Valley Grill at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10th for our Spring lunch. Do not bring cans of food or clothing.

Young Professional Gathering:   May 11 th at 7:00pm we will meet at Rio j a Winebar for engaging conversation, relaxation and fellowship.   No reservations needed, simply come!

Blood Drive : St. Andrew's will be hosting another blood drive Saturday, May 15 th from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. We need donors!! Remember blood saves lives. We need people to help with the registration and canteen that morning. Also, goodies are needed for the donors after they give blood. Please call the church office if you can help with the blood drive or have any questions.

Episcopal Church Women's Luncheon:   Join us on Sunday, May 16, 2010 after the 10:30 a.m. service for a challenging topic with a well-informed, challenging speaker - "Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife and Human Life" by Kenneth A. Bridle, PhD.   Kenneth is currently Stewardship Director for the Piedmont Land Conservancy, responsible for easement monitoring and management of over 18,000 acres of land in eight counties and more than 150 projects.   The luncheon [cost $10] will be very tasty! The menu includes chicken salad, potato salad, fresh fruit, deviled eggs, assorted breads, chocolate eclair, and iced tea or lemonade. Have your reservation for lunch in to the office or notify Eleanor Baker [292-4627] or Carolyn Allen [288-3045] by Thursday, May 13 th at noon.   Anyone interested in the program but not lunch is welcome. 

Recognition of our Graduates:   Please send information about your graduates—high school and college— to the parish office.   We want to hear of their honors, scholarships and future plans.   E-mail this information to: parishadministrator@standrewsgreensboro.com by May 20th in order to be included in the June issue of Harmony.   Graduates will be recognized on June 6th during the 10:30 a.m. service.   Please make plans to be there!

Children's Chimes: Practices are held every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the balcony.

Lunch and Learn: Our next gathering will be on Thursday, May 20 th at 12:00 p.m. at Bicentennial Park .   Call the office to order your boxed lunch from Panera: roast beef, turkey or veggie .   Please RSVP to the parish office by Tuesday, May 18 by 2pm.   The boxed lunches cost $9.00.   Please bring your own beverage.   All are welcome!   Contact Karen Russell or Leslie Burkardt (275-1651) for more information.

New Picture Directory: Time is running out to make your appointment!! Pictures will be taken May 18 – 22 and we want everyone to participate. Make your appointment this Sunday after each service, on our website or by clicking   https://www.appointment-plus3.com/ap/standrewsepiscopalchurch1/index.php?page=10 .   Remember there are no costs to you and everyone who participates receives a new directory. Our pets who are members of our families are included. We will also have a food drive – for everyone who brings a can of food to your photo shoot, you will receive $5.00 off any pictures that you may choose to purchase. Don't wait – sign up NOW !!

The festive color is RED for the day of Pentecost (May 23). It symbolizes joy and the fire of the Holy Ghost. RED -flowering plants, such as geraniums or carnations, are typical decorations for Pentecost services. They symbolize the renewal of life, the coming of the warmth of summer and the growth of the church at and from the first Pentecost. Wear RED on Pentecost and enjoy strawberries, ice cream and other red desserts after church!

Sign up to be a Refreshment Hour snack provider today! Sign up in the Parish Hall.